The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Almost 17 million people live in an area about the size of the Maryland, and Amsterdam has a constant “pile up” atmosphere. Mass crowds and long lines are regular features of the most touristy spots, so here are some tips to avoid »Read more

Culturally, going out to eat in Holland is always due to a special occasion and isn’t simply an every day activity. That means that dining in Amsterdam can be pricey compared to North America’s restaurant culture. Here are five ways to still eat out in Amsterdam without getting caught in pricey pancake pad, or worse, »Read more

The city of Amsterdam is abuzz with the planning of celebrations for 2013, as the year is studded with anniversaries marking great milestones in Dutch culture. From the reopening of the city’s top museums, to celebrations marking the founding of concert halls (and even canal systems), the year promises to attract visitors for a wide »Read more

Compared to the shop-til-you-drop chaos that surrounds North American come Christmas, Amsterdam’s holiday habits are easygoing, painless, and mellow. But while the Dutch stay modest with the wrapping paper, they still indulge in outdoor illuminating settings and sounds. Here are 10 ways to get into Holland’s holiday spirit, EuroCheapo-style: 1. Ice skating Through January 13, »Read more

Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most interesting and quirky cities, so why not opt for a hotel to match? Whether you want to sleep on a boat, immerse yourself in art, sleep in a futuristic neon cube or surround yourself with porn, there is an accommodation to suit your needs. To help make your trip »Read more

Today at EuroCheapo headquarters we’re crushing big time over the Nadia Hotel in Amsterdam. Our Amsterdam correspondent Audrey Sykes recently checked in on this EuroCheapo mainstay, and her new review proves that “service with a smile” can really make the budget hotel experience. The Nadia is a simple spot (with very small rooms and a »Read more

For today’s Hotel Crush, I’ve chosen the Hotel Museumzicht in Amsterdam, an old-time EuroCheapo favorite. Audrey Sykes, our Amsterdam correspondent, visited this month and just submitted her review, along with more than 80 photographs! Apparently, the hotel was rather photogenic! (We only published 37 of the photos due to space constraints and iPhoto fatigue…) The »Read more

Throughout history the Dutch have been known for being good at business. In Amsterdam, tolerance is essential for a lucrative economy. The cannabis industry is a perfect example: One quarter of all tourists in Amsterdam visit a coffeeshop during their visit. However, a new law making marijuana use off-limits to tourists is slated to change »Read more

By Audrey Sykes in Amsterdam— If you want to know the true meaning of “flower power,” head to the Netherlands for tulip season. Over 900 million Dutch flowers are destined for the United States each year, and Holland is easily the world’s largest exporter of tulips. And although “Tulipmania” (yes, that’s a real term) ended »Read more

By Audrey Sykes in Amsterdam— The world’s first stock market crash took place in Holland because of tulips. During the 1600s people were obsessed with buying the rarest tulip and, well, displaying it in a vase at home. The most sought-after varietals had fanatics dishing out 2,000 florins a bulb (in context, a skilled laborer might earn 150 »Read more

By Audrey Sykes in Amsterdam— Even during the off season Amsterdam is a busy place. Lines for museums are common, stuffy buses are all too familiar, and traveling in and out of the city can take some time. Here are 10 ways to keep you from playing the waiting game and make the most out »Read more

By Audrey Sykes in Amsterdam— Amsterdam isn’t the cheapest destination in Europe, but there are ways to get around the tourist prices. In fact, it’s easy to find freebies left and right in the city. Here’s a checklist of 20 great ideas for a free day in Amsterdam: 1. Start with a free map Free »Read more

By Audrey Sykes in Amsterdam— There is so much nightlife in Amsterdam that “sightseeing” bars and coffeeshops can lead to late hours wandering the streets in search of cheap eats. You should know your options before ducking into a take-away joint or pizza bar. Here is my advice for Amsterdam’s best late-night cheapo snacks: King »Read more

By Audrey Sykes in Amsterdam— Avoiding tourist scams is part of traveling, and Amsterdam, like any major city, has its fair share of rip offs. There are situations that feel like a scam because they’re simply disappointing (“tourist traps”), and then there are the ones that are downright scandalous (“scams”). We’re focusing on the latter »Read more

By Audrey Sykes in Amsterdam— In a city drenched with every conceivable vice, the one sin that pulls me in is good beer. I’m a sucker for a freshly-poured brew that’s flavorful, cold and tasty. And I don’t mean mainstream pilsners. If you like the satisfaction of enjoying a well-crafted beer at a good price, »Read more

The pancake is one of the most famous plates in Dutch cuisine. Short in stature but large in circumference, the Dutch pancake is served with mixed-in ingredients that can go sweet, savory, or quite experimental. Here are three Cheapo picks for my favorite pancake shops in Amsterdam: Pannekoekenboot (Pancake Boat) Web site (in Dutch) 4:30 »Read more

By Audrey Sykes in Amsterdam— The Netherlands has over 400 museums – a hefty load of culture to pack into one tiny country. Locals know that museum passes are the way to go in Amsterdam, but the city offers two competing passes. Which is the best buy for you? It depends upon your length of »Read more

Amsterdam’s reputation of being open and liberal trickles down all the way to community classes and workshops, and we don’t just mean a trendy yoga class (though that’s common, too). From creative workouts like trapeze class, sports like ping-pong and kite surfing, to an open field of student-run events from debate to open mic, here »Read more

By Audrey Sykes in Amsterdam— Maybe it’s because I’m American, but I can spot our style from a mile away. I see it all over Amsterdam: The baseball cap, the oh-so handy cargo pants, and a sporty, all weather and near fluorescent wind breaker. We stick out like sore thumbs in Euroland. Of course, standing »Read more

By Audrey Sykes in Amsterdam— Tipping abroad can be confusing, especially when you’re on a whirl-winded European trip that takes you into and out of different countries with different customs. Often travelers tip too much, or to little, and rarely the right amount at the right time. How much should you tip in Amsterdam? Learn »Read more

By Audrey Sykes in Amsterdam— A day on less than €20 in Amsterdam? Can it be done? Why, yes it can! Amsterdam might not be the cheapest Euro destination, but thanks to its outdoor happenings and entertainment freebies, it’s certainly possible. • Related: Heading to Amsterdam? Be sure to swing by our guide to the »Read more

By Audrey Sykes in Amsterdam— On the surface Amsterdam’s café culture seems a little confusing and intimidating. If cafes serve beer and coffeeshops serve the “green goods,” where does one go for just a cup of joe? Here are some pointers. Ordering coffee? Ditch the details! If you’re craving a large mocha latte with 2% »Read more

The preferred way to travel in Amsterdam is undoubtedly by bicycle, and bike tour possibilities abound. Know your options, however, before settling for just any old group cycle through the city. From beach cruises to picnic pedaling, here are my “top five” alternative bike tours that are offered in and around Amsterdam. Culinary bike tour »Read more

By Audrey Sykes in Amsterdam— The Dutch were never known for their exotic cuisine–bread, cheese and fries being the basics. Thankfully the Netherlands has a satisfying sweet tooth. When visiting Amsterdam, don’t hold back on indulging in these five sugary surprises that are simple, cheap, yet oh so tasty. 1. Appeltaart met slagroom Typical price: »Read more

Schipol Airport in Amsterdam gets its name from its former days as a large lake where ships easily sunk from bad weather – the translation literally means “ship hole” (insert joke here). It’s the third largest airport in Europe and in the world for international passenger traffic. To help keep you afloat, here are some »Read more